Matthew Pizza's Passions

Matthew Pizza's Bio

Backcountry.com’s Gearheads are your instant connection to gear knowledge. They’re passionate outdoor experts hell-bent on helping you find the right ski, saddle, or pro. Follow their adventures and exploits.

Born and raised in Utah I have spent ample time outdoors ever since I was a little guy. My outdoor passions are fly fishing, skiing, and backpacking but I am becoming more acquainted with climbing and cycling (road and mountain), and kayaking.

My name is Matt Pizza and I know my shit. If you have a passion for the outdoors like I do stay tuned for thoughtful and informative expert gear knowledge and reviews, epic pictures and stories of my adventures, and don't forget deals and discounts!

If your outdoor passions align with mine stay tuned by clicking the 'Follow Me' button or you can contact me at the info below. I am in the office Tuesday-Friday 1:30-10.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 220 lbs

Size Purchased: XL

I was really pleasantly surprised by these sweat pants. They are incredibly comfortable... the face fabric is extremely soft and supple against the skin. The waistband is nice and thick as are the ankle cuffs (one of my favorite features). Another great feature is the zippered hand pockets. These are just as appropriate out running errands as they are at home on the couch.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Lezyne has improved upon the old chuck by leaps and bounds with this one. The previous 1/4 turn to lock feature is no more... thankfully. The new design is so much more simple and effective. Simply flip the nozzle around for schrader or presta screw on and pump up your tire.

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:
True to size

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 220 lbs

Size Purchased: XL

The Challenger jacket is the perfect fishing jacket that won't break the bank. Great price point on this jacket makes it more affordable to the masses than its Pro Dry Simm's counterparts. The biggest difference being that the higher end gear is make with GoreTex and the Challenger uses Simm's proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane (Toray 2 layer).

I really like the fabric of this jacket, it is soft and supple against your skin and quiet so those spooky fish can't hear you coming. The oversize fleece lined collar is great for keeping out the elements as is the highly adjustable hood. Will fit over pretty much anything you would have on your dome while out on the river.

The Challenger is a slightly longer cut than standard . I usually wear an XL and that is what I got here and it fits great. A little on the large side but I think that is to be expected as these are probably going over top of your waders.

Something to note as that this is really more of a rain jacket than a wading jacket as there are no fly box compatible pockets like on the higher end models from Simms.

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Does exactly what you think it would. Plenty of room in there for my Smith IO/X goggles with special zone for my spare lenses as well. Great to help keep your goggles from getting crushed while in transit to and from the hill.

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:
True to size

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 220 lbs

Size Purchased: Large

Although I haven't really been able to put these pants to the test, the first couple outings have been great. These things are quite warm and the face fabric is very soft and supple against the skin. Integrated belt allows you to adjust sizing a little bit depending on how many layers you have on underneath.

My two favorite features by far are the side zips and the two way fly. Zip to hip allows you to get in and out of the pants without taking your boots off and the two way fly allows you to take care of business when nature calls not matter what you have on - jacket, pack, harness.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

These socks are great for a day on the slopes. Not super padded but they keep me warm on days that aren't insanely cold. I really like that they are thin so they don't soak up a lot of room in your ski boot. Resists odors fairly well and seem to be quite durable. I've been wearing a few pairs of these for 2-3 years now and have only had one sock blow out on me.

Until the Tough Puff I never would have called myself a 'shacket guy'... I figured you either wear a jacket or you don't... so either did - or didn't. Then the Tough Puff came along and my world was changed. I would definitely call this closer to a shirt than a jacket. I tend to run on the warm side of things and this is great for cool mornings and warm afternoons... inside and/or out.

First off, this thing looks slick... I mean classy. Just as much at home on the hill as it is in the pub. Face fabric is durable enough to wear as an outer layer and not worry about abrasion, technical enough but with none of that techy vibe.

Works great as a layering piece when it's under a shell. I've worn it out on the river a time or two now under my waders and it has kept me warm and comfortable the whole time on the water.

Zippered chest pocket gives you a safe and secure place to store your small and important items. Two hand pockets are great to warm hands up real quick, and two big drop pockets on the inside... well... I haven't found a great use for those yet, but I have no doubt that there is one.

As far as sizing goes... a little wonky there. The Tough Puff runs a full size large.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I've been wearing these pants around for a week straight now and I could not be any happier. These pants look just as good as they feel. Nice slim form fitting style looks great for casual wear as well as allows for easy articulation..

I've worn these out and about all over town... I actually consider these one of the nicest pairs of pants that I own. I've also had these on under my waders and they kept me warm and comfortable while out on the river. They have an element of stretch that allows you to do just about anything that you want in them and still be comfortable... Get up in the morning and go out to fish, hike, climb and then straight to the bar! After that, home to the couch... no changing necessary. These are just as comfortable as I feel they will be durable. After a weeks worth of wear and no washing I see absolutely no signs of wear and tear.

As far as sizing goes I would say these run extremely true, maybe just a hair on the small side but I think more of that could be attributed to the slim fit the pants boast.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

The Simms Taco bag really does two things... First and foremost it transports your waders and boots from house to river no problem. When you stuff everything back in there, the ventilation allows your gear to dry without getting the back of your car soggy. You can also use the Taco Bag to stand on while you take your waders off. Avoid nasty accidents with your neoprene booties and rocks and goat heads.

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

The only hole I've ever gotten in my waders is a little pinhole in one of the booties... I can only imagine that it is from changing in the parking lot and planting that delicate little neoprene bootie on the gravel. This mat is nice and thick and will prevent anything like that from happening... or so I speculate. Rolls up real nice and compact so you can fit it just about anywhere. Roll it out, pop off the boots, hop on there and you're good to go.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

There is definitely room for two in this bad boy, really roomy and comfortable for one. I highly suggest getting a suspension system to go with this hammock. The slap straps are good, I personally went with the Atlas straps for those times when the trees are just a little farther apart than you'd like. Tons of hammock accessories out there from ENO for hammock camping if you're looking to go a little more hardcore than just your average leisurely swing in the trees.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I love these pliers. Had the ultra light version for years now which are great for toting around when you are wet wading. Rising makes these heavier duty pliers so I felt the need to pick to pick them up as well. Makes a great addition to my tools on the boat. Durable, well thought out, easy to use, effective.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This combi rack works great on my F250. You'll want to stick this to the flattest part of your car possible... that will ensure a better hole. Had this on the truck with two rods on it going about 55mph with no problems. Will hold up to 4 rods. Great for switch and spey rods as they won't fit in most vehicles.

Familiarity:
I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

I bought this for my mom as a mother's day gift. She wanted something that was easy for her to lug around that she could keep in her car. Cruisin around with groceries in there or loading it up with food for a weekend out of town. Collapses down fairly small and seems like it is very durable for a collapsible cooler, has good volume, and holds ice & keeps things cold for hours.